US7134649B2 - Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method - Google Patents

Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method Download PDF

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Publication number
US7134649B2
US7134649B2 US10/854,209 US85420904A US7134649B2 US 7134649 B2 US7134649 B2 US 7134649B2 US 85420904 A US85420904 A US 85420904A US 7134649 B2 US7134649 B2 US 7134649B2
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
vacuum cup
rail
vacuum
workpiece
inlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime, expires
Application number
US10/854,209
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English (en)
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US20050263949A1 (en
Inventor
Theodore M. Boyl-Davis
James N. Buttrick, Jr.
Darrell D. Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Boeing Co
Original Assignee
Boeing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Boeing Co filed Critical Boeing Co
Assigned to BOEING COMPANY, THE (DE CORP) reassignment BOEING COMPANY, THE (DE CORP) ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JONES, DARRELL D., BOYL-DAVIS, THEODORE M., BUTTRICK, JAMES N., JR.
Priority to US10/854,209 priority Critical patent/US7134649B2/en
Priority to AT05848361T priority patent/ATE439947T1/de
Priority to CNB2005800255654A priority patent/CN100445039C/zh
Priority to CA2567780A priority patent/CA2567780C/en
Priority to EP09005808.2A priority patent/EP2082838B1/de
Priority to EP05848361A priority patent/EP1755829B1/de
Priority to ES09005808.2T priority patent/ES2562921T3/es
Priority to DE602005016106T priority patent/DE602005016106D1/de
Priority to KR1020067027433A priority patent/KR101179017B1/ko
Priority to EP09005809.0A priority patent/EP2082839B1/de
Priority to ES09005809.0T priority patent/ES2546210T3/es
Priority to PCT/US2005/016085 priority patent/WO2006043983A2/en
Priority to JP2007515126A priority patent/JP4749419B2/ja
Priority to ES05848361T priority patent/ES2330129T3/es
Publication of US20050263949A1 publication Critical patent/US20050263949A1/en
Priority to US11/505,952 priority patent/US7380776B2/en
Priority to US11/505,951 priority patent/US7526851B1/en
Publication of US7134649B2 publication Critical patent/US7134649B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Priority to JP2011054047A priority patent/JP5265718B2/ja
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B11/00—Work holders not covered by any preceding group in the subclass, e.g. magnetic work holders, vacuum work holders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B11/00—Work holders not covered by any preceding group in the subclass, e.g. magnetic work holders, vacuum work holders
    • B25B11/005—Vacuum work holders
    • B25B11/007—Vacuum work holders portable, e.g. handheld
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C3/00—Wings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23Q—DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q2210/00—Machine tools incorporating a specific component
    • B23Q2210/008—Flexible guiding rails
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49616—Structural member making
    • Y10T29/49622—Vehicular structural member making
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
    • Y10T29/49954—Fastener deformed after application
    • Y10T29/49956—Riveting
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49998—Work holding
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/51—Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for metal shaping or assembling
    • Y10T29/5104—Type of machine
    • Y10T29/5105—Drill press
    • Y10T29/5108—Portable
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/51—Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for metal shaping or assembling
    • Y10T29/5116—Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for metal shaping or assembling forging and bending, cutting or punching
    • Y10T29/5118—Riveting
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/51—Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for metal shaping or assembling
    • Y10T29/5191—Assembly
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/53191—Means to apply vacuum directly to position or hold work part
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T408/00—Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
    • Y10T408/55—Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool with work-engaging structure other than Tool or tool-support
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T409/00—Gear cutting, milling, or planing
    • Y10T409/30—Milling
    • Y10T409/306216—Randomly manipulated, work supported, or work following device
    • Y10T409/306384—Randomly manipulated, work supported, or work following device with work supported guide means
    • Y10T409/30644—Randomly manipulated, work supported, or work following device with work supported guide means to guide tool to move in arcuate path

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to manufacturing tools and automation. More particularly, the present invention relates to attachment of rail-mounted machine tools to work surfaces.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an end stiffener and associated standoff pins according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an intermediate stiffener and associated standoff pins according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is a section view of a vacuum connection with an intact diaphragm.
  • FIG. 6 is a section view of a vacuum connection with a pierced diaphragm in which a barbed tubing coupling has been installed.
  • FIG. 9 is a section view of a groove without kerfs.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view of a multiplicity of conformal vacuum cups according to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 10 , showing attachment to a rail and a curved workpiece.
  • Various embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide vacuum cup apparatus and methods for attachment of devices such as, for example, a rail system used in operations such as drilling series of holes, which holes may be needed for assembling screws or rivets through airplane sheet surfaces into underlying structures.
  • devices such as, for example, a rail system used in operations such as drilling series of holes, which holes may be needed for assembling screws or rivets through airplane sheet surfaces into underlying structures.
  • FIG. 1 is an oblique bottom view that shows a fully compressed vacuum cup 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the vacuum cup 10 has a peripheral sealing lip 12 that is shown deflected as it would be seen from below a transparent workpiece (a workpiece 70 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 ) when vacuum from an external vacuum system (shown in FIG. 10 ) has been applied to the volume between the cup 10 and the workpiece 70 , and has caused outside air pressure to force the cup 10 against the workpiece 70 .
  • the exemplary vacuum cup 10 comprises two end pads 14 along with three intermediate pads 16 . Each pad 14 or 16 comprises a stiffener (stiffeners 26 and 28 are shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is an oblique exploded view showing an end stiffener 30 substantially similar to the corresponding stiffener 26 in FIG. 2 .
  • the stiffener 30 is shown with two standoff pins 18 oriented for insertion.
  • Each of the exemplary standoff pins 18 in FIG. 3 has a pin top 22 with a chamfer 32 and a female thread 34 for attachment to a rail 72 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 ).
  • a taper section 36 and an interference-fit section 38 on each standoff pin 18 can allow the pin 18 to be pressed substantially permanently into the corresponding hole 40 .
  • a shoulder 42 can provide an integral stop to allow the pin 18 to bear against the stiffener 26 or 30 , with the pin bottom end 20 at a uniform distance from the bottom surface 44 of the stiffener 26 or 30 .
  • Three bores 46 in the end stiffener 30 can be used to provide passage for vacuum connection (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ).
  • FIG. 4 is an oblique exploded view showing an intermediate stiffener 48 substantially similar to the corresponding stiffener 28 in FIG. 2 .
  • the stiffener 48 is shown with two standoff pins 18 oriented for insertion.
  • Each of the pins 18 in FIG. 4 has a pin top 22 with a chamfer 32 and a female thread 34 for attachment to a rail 72 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 ).
  • a tapered section 36 and an interference-fit section 38 on each pin 18 can allow the pin 18 to be pressed essentially permanently into the corresponding hole 40 .
  • a shoulder 42 can provide a stop that allows the pin 18 to bear against the stiffener 48 , with the pin bottom end 20 at a uniform distance from the bottom surface 50 of the stiffener 28 or 48 .
  • the top of the barbed tubing coupling 64 is shown to be set at a right angle 66 .
  • the right angle 66 shown may be preferable to allow a vacuum line 68 to deliver vacuum to the vacuum cup 10 without a sharp bend in the line 68 .
  • Other angles and other fitting styles may be preferable in some applications.
  • the multiplicity of partial holes 24 in the end pads 14 can be used to provide optional vacuum connections.
  • a pierced diaphragm 58 may leak substantially no air when no barbed coupling 64 has been installed in it. This can allow the vacuum cup 10 in which the pierced diaphragm 58 exists to hold vacuum acceptably. By extension, a vacuum cup 10 may remain usable with multiple diaphragms 58 that are unused but have been pierced.
  • the baseline configuration for the exemplary embodiment employs a common area below the entire vacuum cup 10 , vacuum drawn at a first pierced partial hole 24 can be extended out through a second pierced partial hole 24 (as shown in FIG. 10 ).
  • Another barbed tubing coupling 64 can be added to connect the vacuum source to a second vacuum cup 10 without using a manifold port at the vacuum source for every vacuum cup 10 .
  • Providing an ample number of partial holes 24 in the embodiment permits a variety of options for distributing vacuum in a rail-mounted machine tool system with a vacuum cups 10 of a single design.
  • the availability of additional partial holes 24 can permit the addition of sensors, gauges, and the like as well as additional vacuum cups 10 .
  • the standoff pins 18 are shown surrounded by the elastomer of the pads 14 and 16 .
  • the pin bottom ends 20 can be domed with a radius roughly equal to the elastic deformation of the workpiece 70 effected by the pressure stemming from the applied vacuum plus a portion of the weight of the rail-mounted drilling system. If the elastic deformation of the workpiece 70 can be shown to be negligible, then a satisfactory pin bottom end 20 shape may be achievable with a flat face square to the workpiece and a smooth edge roundoff.
  • the pin bottom end 20 shape, radius of curvature, and size may preferably be chosen to at least minimize scuffing or marring of the workpiece 70 .
  • FIG. 7 is a side view with a partial cutaway, revealing the structure of a vacuum cup 10 pressed against a workpiece 70 and attached to a rail 72 with studs 74 , nuts 76 , and washers 78 .
  • the lip 12 is flexed upward from its rest position as a result of application of vacuum.
  • a flat workpiece 70 is contacted by the standoff pins 18 , causing the rail 72 to assume a flat shape, parallel to the workpiece 70 .
  • FIG. 8 is a section through the vacuum cup 10 of FIG. 1 , in which the kerfs 60 and upper groove 62 are shown as they would be with a vacuum cup 10 positioned on a flat workpiece 70 .
  • the standoff pins 18 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
  • This flexure allows the vacuum cup 10 to conform to a workpiece 70 with a relatively sharp curvature, and thus to cause the rail 72 to so conform. Twist in the workpiece 70 can be accommodated as well, with the elastomer flexing as necessary.
  • FIG. 9 is a section through an alternative vacuum cup configuration retaining the upper groove 62 but without kerfs. This configuration may be preferable on some workpieces, for example where curvature is slight or nonexistent along the rail longitudinal axis.
  • Alternative methods for fastening standoff pins to a rail could include welding, brazing, and equivalent metallurgical bonding methods, as well as application of a flange to the top of each standoff pin, which flange could have multiple radially-arrayed holes for rivets or other fastenings.
  • the stud 74 , nut 76 , and washer 78 of the exemplary embodiment can be replaced by other threaded fasteners, such as screws with or without washers, and can be prevented from loosening by application of antivibration materials, upset threads, and other technologies.
  • FIG. 10 is an oblique view of a conformal vacuum cup 10 according to another design.
  • the lip 12 is made wavy instead of straight-edged as in FIGS. 1-9 .
  • the elastomeric material 80 does not surround the stiffeners 28 and 30 above an attachment shoulder 82 .
  • the embodiment shown has one inlet vacuum line 84 and one outlet vacuum line 86 , with no provision for additional vacuum lines.
  • a fitting 88 is employed to seal to a threaded hole and connect to a vacuum hose 94 at an approximate right angle.
  • FIG. 10 further shows in schematic form the use of a vacuum source 92 connected by a vacuum hose 94 to use the vacuum cup 10 .
  • a second fitting 88 connects to a second vacuum hose 86 to carry vacuum to another vacuum cup 10 or to an accessory such as a gauge.
  • FIG. 11 shows multiple samples of the conformal vacuum cup 10 of FIG. 10 attached to a curved rail 72 using studs 74 , nuts 76 , and washers 78 . Also shown is a convex-curved workpiece 70 . The curvature of the rail 72 requires the flexing of the conformal vacuum cups 10 to accommodate the drawing together of the individual stiffeners 30 and 48 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • the stiffeners 26 , 28 , 30 , and 48 described herein can preferably be fabricated from a material with specific physical properties.
  • One such desirable stiffener property is higher flexure resistance than the rail 72 and/or the workpiece 70 , particularly in the thickness used.
  • Another such desirable stiffener property is compatibility with insertion of pins 18 , which compatibility includes adequate malleability to permit pin 18 insertion and similarity in temperature coefficient of expansion to the pins 18 .
  • Another such desirable stiffener property is compatibility with the elastomeric overmolding material, which compatibility includes tolerance of the temperatures at which the molding takes place and chemical compatibility with the overmolding material.
  • Typical materials likely to be suitable include various aluminum and stainless steel alloys, fiber reinforced phenolics, engineering plastics such as PEEK®, and others.
  • Suitable elastomers for the vacuum cup overmolding material include a class of synthetic rubbers known generically as urethanes.
  • Other classes of elastomers, such as vinyls, as well as other formable materials, may, like urethanes, have adequate ranges of durometer values and acceptable physical properties such as tear resistance for repeated use and may exhibit an ability to withstand rough treatment.
  • Urethanes in the preferred range of durometers can in some formulations exhibit a desirable ability to cling to surfaces, which ability may add to the positioning force of the vacuum cups 10 .
  • Vinyls may exhibit significantly lower cling than urethanes, which may be preferable in some embodiments.
  • Other elastomers may likewise exhibit desirable combinations of attributes for specific uses.
  • Forcing air, such as from a compressor, through a vacuum cup system may allow the cups to function as air bearings to make tool repositioning easier and quicker.
  • Specific features such as lip shape, interface surface profile, elastomer material choice, and available air flow rate may inhibit or facilitate such use.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
  • Drilling And Boring (AREA)
  • Automatic Assembly (AREA)
  • Jigs For Machine Tools (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Hooks, Suction Cups, And Attachment By Adhesive Means (AREA)
  • Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
  • Coating With Molten Metal (AREA)
  • Advancing Webs (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For Machine Tools (AREA)
US10/854,209 2004-05-27 2004-05-27 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method Expired - Lifetime US7134649B2 (en)

Priority Applications (17)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/854,209 US7134649B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2004-05-27 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
ES09005809.0T ES2546210T3 (es) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Aparato de ventosas de conformación y procedimiento
JP2007515126A JP4749419B2 (ja) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 真空カップ
CA2567780A CA2567780C (en) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method for removably attaching a rail to a surface of a workpiece
EP09005808.2A EP2082838B1 (de) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Konformes Saugnapfgerät und entsprechendes Verfahren
EP05848361A EP1755829B1 (de) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Konformes saugnapfgerät zur abnehmbaren befestigung einer leiste auf einer werkstückoberfläche
ES09005808.2T ES2562921T3 (es) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Aparato y método de ventosa de conformación
DE602005016106T DE602005016106D1 (de) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Konformes saugnapfgerät zur abnehmbaren befestigung einer leiste auf einer werkstückoberfläche
KR1020067027433A KR101179017B1 (ko) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 피가공물의 표면에 제거가능하게 레일을 부착하기 위한 진공컵 장치와 방법
EP09005809.0A EP2082839B1 (de) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Konformes Saugnapfgerät und entsprechendes Verfahren
AT05848361T ATE439947T1 (de) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Konformes saugnapfgerät zur abnehmbaren befestigung einer leiste auf einer werkstückoberfläche
PCT/US2005/016085 WO2006043983A2 (en) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method for removably attaching a rail to a surface of a workpiece
CNB2005800255654A CN100445039C (zh) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 用于将轨道可拆卸地连接在工件表面上的共形真空杯装置及方法
ES05848361T ES2330129T3 (es) 2004-05-27 2005-05-09 Ventosa adaptable para fijar un carril sobre la superficie de una pieza de forma no permanente.
US11/505,952 US7380776B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
US11/505,951 US7526851B1 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
JP2011054047A JP5265718B2 (ja) 2004-05-27 2011-03-11 航空機の製造方法

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/854,209 US7134649B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2004-05-27 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/505,951 Division US7526851B1 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
US11/505,952 Continuation US7380776B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method

Publications (2)

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US20050263949A1 US20050263949A1 (en) 2005-12-01
US7134649B2 true US7134649B2 (en) 2006-11-14

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US10/854,209 Expired - Lifetime US7134649B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2004-05-27 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
US11/505,951 Expired - Lifetime US7526851B1 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
US11/505,952 Expired - Lifetime US7380776B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method

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US11/505,951 Expired - Lifetime US7526851B1 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
US11/505,952 Expired - Lifetime US7380776B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-08-18 Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (3) US7134649B2 (de)
EP (3) EP1755829B1 (de)
JP (2) JP4749419B2 (de)
KR (1) KR101179017B1 (de)
CN (1) CN100445039C (de)
AT (1) ATE439947T1 (de)
CA (1) CA2567780C (de)
DE (1) DE602005016106D1 (de)
ES (3) ES2330129T3 (de)
WO (1) WO2006043983A2 (de)

Cited By (9)

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US20060277733A1 (en) * 2004-05-27 2006-12-14 Boyl-Davis Theodore M Conformal vacuum cup apparatus and method
US20090035080A1 (en) * 2007-08-01 2009-02-05 The Boeing Company Aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure
US20100037444A1 (en) * 2008-08-15 2010-02-18 Reid Eric M Reconfigurable flexible rail apparatus and method
US8066148B2 (en) 2008-02-19 2011-11-29 Garahan Patrick J Portable holder for beverage containers
US20140182479A1 (en) * 2012-09-14 2014-07-03 The Boeing Company Vacuum Adhering Apparatus for Automated Maintenance of Airfoil-Shaped Bodies
US20140272312A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Aircraft component and method of making an aircraft component
US9821473B2 (en) 2009-01-19 2017-11-21 Comau Llc Robotic smart end effector tooling
US10807383B2 (en) 2018-09-24 2020-10-20 The Boeing Company Robotic printing system for an aircraft exterior
EP4530032A1 (de) * 2023-09-28 2025-04-02 CUSTOMCELLS Holding GmbH Vakuumgreifer und verfahren zum aufnehmen eines flächigen werkstücks sowie stapelvorrichtung zum aufnehmen einer elektrode

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US7966713B2 (en) * 2006-05-17 2011-06-28 The Boeing Company Tooling head mounted structural positioning
US7677181B2 (en) * 2006-11-06 2010-03-16 The Boeing Company Interlocking precision flexible rail system
US7922272B2 (en) * 2008-04-11 2011-04-12 The Boeing Company Method for application and accurate positioning of graphics on a surface
DE102009044305A1 (de) * 2009-10-21 2011-05-05 Fooke Gmbh Verfahren zum Halten und Bearbeiten eines Werkstückes mit Spannplatte, sowie Vorrichtung zum Aussteifen eines Werkstückes mit Spannplatte
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US20090133261A1 (en) 2009-05-28
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US20050263949A1 (en) 2005-12-01
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EP2082838A3 (de) 2013-02-20
EP1755829A1 (de) 2007-02-28

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